Second Sunday of Advent - December 8, 2019 - Lighting the Candle of Peace

This was the sermon delivered on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, December 8, 2019.  On that day we celebrated the lighting of the Candle of Peace.

I pray that this message of God's Peace finds you at peace in what is far, far, far too often a World that is anything but peaceful.  If we focus on Christ and His 'peace' we can know peace even when the world seems to be falling apart all around us.

Be a blessing to someone today!  (Share the peace of Christ with them)

In Christ,
Roy

Isaiah 11:1-10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Peaceful Kingdom
11 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
    and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
    the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the spirit of counsel and might,
    the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
    or decide by what his ears hear;
4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
    and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

6 The wolf shall live with the lamb,
    the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
    and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze,
    their young shall lie down together;
    and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
    and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
9 They will not hurt or destroy
    on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.

Return of the Remnant of Israel and Judah

10 On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.


Luke 2:8-14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[b] praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”[c]

Footnotes:
a)Luke 2:11 Or the Christ
b) Luke 2:13 Gk army
c) Luke 2:14 Other ancient authorities read peace, goodwill among people


Psalm 72:1-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Prayer for Guidance and Support for the King
Of Solomon.
1 Give the king your justice, O God,
    and your righteousness to a king’s son.
2 May he judge your people with righteousness,
    and your poor with justice.
3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
    and the hills, in righteousness.
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
    give deliverance to the needy,
    and crush the oppressor.

5 May he live[a] while the sun endures,
    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
    like showers that water the earth.
7 In his days may righteousness flourish
    and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

8 May he have dominion from sea to sea,
    and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Footnotes:
a) Psalm 72:5 Gk: Heb may they fear you


Romans 15:4-13 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will confess[a] you among the Gentiles,
    and sing praises to your name”;

10 and again he says,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;

11 and again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
    and let all the peoples praise him”;

12 and again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse shall come,
    the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Footnotes:
a) Romans 15:9 Or thank

Art by Jon Crane

James 3:1-12 "Taming the Tongue" - Thursday Night Worship Dec 5, 2019

This was a sermon on "taming the tongue", unfortunately, today monitoring what we speak isn't our only concern.  Our comments (or likes & dislikes) online are also a major concern.  We live in a very wonderful, strange, and fragile time... information travels so fast (almost as fast as a small town coffee shop) that one something takes off it's gone and the damage is done.

During this time of Advent, let us focus on our spoken and typed words... let them be ones that encourage rather than destroy or injure.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

(I'm very behind on blogging and the busted up finger hasn't helped.  Today I am finally able to use it somewhat for typing... Praise God!)

James 3:1-12 New Revised Standard Version
Taming the Tongue
3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters,[a] for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. 4 Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature,[b] and is itself set on fire by hell.[c] 7 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters,[d] this ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters,[e] yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

Footnotes:
a) James 3:1 Gk brothers
b) James 3:6 Or wheel of birth
c) James 3:6 Gk Gehenna
d) James 3:10 Gk My brothers
e) James 3:12 Gk my brothers

December 1, 2019 - First Sunday of Advent - The Candle of Hope (Prophet's Candle)

On Sunday, December 1st, we celebrated the lighting of the First Candle of Advent.  This candle is celebrated in our Church tradition as the Candle of Hope.  It is also known by other traditions as the "Prophet's Candle", in remembrance of the prophecies found in the Old Testament which gave us the promise of Jesus.  Today, we not only celebrate the birth of Christ so long ago but we also look forward with steadfast "Hope" (Faith) in the Second Coming of Christ.

May this Christmas find your heart filled with this promise... our hope in Him... and Him alone.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Hope,
Roy

Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.  Psalm 25:5


Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.   Psalm 31:24


May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.   Psalm 33:22


Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.  Psalm 42:11


You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.  Psalm 119:114


I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.   Psalm 130:5


Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.   Proverbs 24:14


For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11


But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.    Micah 7:7


But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31


Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.   Hebrews 10:23


Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.   Hebrews 11:1


Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.   Romans 5:3-5


But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  Romans 8:25


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.   Romans 15:13


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.   1 Peter 1:3


But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.  
1 Peter 3:15


I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.  Ephesians 1:18

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.  Ephesians 4:4

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.   Colossians 1:27

Luke 22:31-62, Sunday, November 24, 2019 - Denying Christ

During this sermon, we consider the denial of Jesus by Peter and Judas.  It's easy enough for all of us to point fingers at both Peter and of course Judas for their shortcomings in their relationships with Jesus.  We point fingers without considering how and how many times we deny and betray Christ...

Let's try and reflect upon that more than just a little bit...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Luke 22:31-62 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded[a] to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” 34 Jesus[b] said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.”

Purse, Bag, and Sword
35 He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” 38 They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.”

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”[c] 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” [[43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]][d] 45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”[e]

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
47 While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” 49 When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” 50 Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”

Peter Denies Jesus
54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. 55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

Footnotes:
a) Luke 22:31 Or has obtained permission
b) Luke 22:34 Gk He
c) Luke 22:40 Or into temptation
d) Luke 22:44 Other ancient authorities lack verses 43 and 44
e) Luke 22:46 Or into temptation

December 2019 Newsletter Article

Well, November was a crazy month and I topped it off by smashing and deeply lacerating my ring finger on my left hand.  Many have asked how I injured myself and it was simple carelessness on my part.  The finger (and the fingers on either side were smashed as well they just didn't get cut or broken) was injured on a machine used for joining picture frames and it's one I've used for 27 years without serious injury.  Therein lies the problem... I was too confident and unafraid... when we get too familiar is when we start taking shortcuts or hurrying... and I was doing both.

As we progress through this Advent Season, let's remember to not rush... nor be careless... nor take shortcuts... about our relationship with God.  Advent is a time when we should embrace the waiting as well as reflect upon the coming of the Christ Child.

Be a blessing to someone today!!

In His Glory,
Roy

Pastor's Ponderings

We made it through another November!  November is for us at Woodlawn always a busy and hectic time.  Our God's Portion Sale was another great success and I want to thank everyone who worked so very hard to pull off this oh so very important project.  I'm not going to even try to list everyone as there were just too many.  Thank you to all who pitched in and helped Donna to get the lunch ready as well as those who collected, donated items, purchased items, set up the room, clerked, cleaned, organized, or did any of the many things we don't really think about that need to be done.  Thank you all!!!

We also had a great meal last Sunday for our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner.  This year Kim and Laura cooked the turkey, potatoes, and gravy, thank you, ladies! There was so much food that certainly nobody went away hungry!  After we ate we went up and decorated the Sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas Season.  Thank you to everyone who pitched in and decorated the Church in record time.  It was great to have Ryan Daisy home to help (his height comes in handy!) and it was great to have Paul and Tiffany McCoy helping us out as well.  Their four little ones also were a great help as were all of the rest of the little ones who were running around helping and keeping us all entertained.

I don't know if you've noticed but we've had a lot of little people in worship lately and there is little that should give us greater joy than seeing children in Church and being active in Church functions and projects.  Having said that, Jodi and her helpers are putting together another Christmas Eve Service and they should have a great gaggle of little ones performing.  If you know of any youngsters who aren't attending but who could (should) be... please invite them to come to Sunday School and Jodi will gladly include them in her program.  Rumor has it that at least one of the youth will bless us with their musical talents during worship on the 8th, so plan to be in Church on the 8th.

Our Annual Congregational Meeting (and potluck) is coming up on December 15th.  The meeting and potluck will be immediately following worship, this is an important annual event where we elect our leaders for the following year as well as set our Church budget.  Please plan to attend this important meeting.  The nominating committee is working to find a full slate of candidates and I believe there are a couple of jobs left to fill, if you'd be interested in serving in a leadership role please let Kathryn know.  There is (I believe) still one slot on the Christian Council to fill and you don't even have to be a member to serve on the Christian Council. (FYI, you must be a Church member to serve on either the Church Council or as an Elder)

That reminds me, also please remember that joining Woodlawn is an extremely easy thing to do, all that must be done is to tell either the Church Council Chair (currently Mel) or the Pastor that you'd like to join the Church.  Then, as long as you've been baptized, (if you're not we can baptize you in either a public or private celebration) you're a member!  Please also remember that you must be a member to vote at the Annual Congregational Meeting on the 15th.

I'm going to cut this article a bit short as my injured finger is making typing a real challenge.  I do pray that everyone has had a great Thanksgiving and I pray all will have a wonderful and Christ-filled Christmas.


Be a blessing to someone today!!  
Pastor Roy 

Thursday Night Worship, Nov 21, 2019. James 2:1-13

I apologize, with the Thanksgiving Holiday, having a dozen people staying with us for several days, and as you can see in the video... having smashed, torn, and broken my finger, I am horribly behind in blogging.  My goal is to be caught up by weeks end... hopefully...

Here is the sermon from November 21st where we continued our brief journey through James' letter.

Be a blessing to someone today!!

In Christ,

Roy

James 2:1-13 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Warning against Partiality

2 My brothers and sisters,[a] do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?[b] 2 For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,”[c] 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.[d] Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? 7 Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?

8 You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11 For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

Footnotes:

James 2:1 Gk My brothers

James 2:1 Or hold the faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ without acts of favoritism

James 2:3 Gk Sit under my footstool

James 2:5 Gk brothers

Luke 21:5-19m The Destruction of the Temple, worrying about End Times

The sermon last Sunday covered Luke's version of the "Little Apocalypse".  One of the major problems we've had in the past was a focus upon when and how Jesus will come into the world again.  It is my contention that trying to decipher or conjure such things from scripture causes us to lose sight of what we are called to do... we are called as Christ-followers to live as though Christ were already here.  And to be frank... He is...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Luke 21:5-19 Revised Standard Version (RSV)
The Destruction of the Temple Foretold
5 And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

Signs and Persecutions
10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 This will be a time for you to bear testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; 17 you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.